Predicting Eating Disordered Behavior In Adolescent Boys

Abstract

Although much research exists on eating disorders, little exists regarding the prevalence and correlates of eating disordered behavior among males, particularly at the peak age of onset: early adolescence. The current study hypothesizes that eating disordered behavior in male adolescents is most correlated with self-dissatisfaction of musculature, then dissatisfaction of apparent body fat, drive for muscularity, their reasons for exercise, and body mass index. High school males (n = 148) were surveyed regarding these attitudes and beliefs, and about symptoms of eating disordered behavior. The purpose was to determine correlates of eating disordered behavior among adolescent boys, then develop a behavioral profile comparing boys with eating disordered behavior to boys without. No boys indicated significant symptoms of eating disordered behavior, which precluded development of behavioral profiles. A significant model emerged indicating that as Reasons for Exercise - Weight Control increased, so did eating disordered behavior. Implications of results are discussed, as well as problems encountered in research and future directions.

Date of Award	2008
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University